Woodcarving for beginners
October 16, 2011 8:33 AM Subscribe
I think it would be cool if I could carve little wooden toy animals for my recently-born daughter. Something like these, maybe with a little more detail. Please hope me!
Constraints:
- Leaving the house is a major PITA right now because of the baby, so please don't suggest I take classes or go to a store - I'd prefer to order supplies online. Suggestions for books or online tutorials are very welcome
- We live in a 1 bedroom without room for setting up a workbench or power tools. Is this a problem? Do I need big, electrical, plug-in tools? Or can I do without them?
- This FAQ tells me I just need to get an X-acto knife and some basswood. Is an X-acto really good for woodcarving (I'd imagine it's uncomfortable to hold?) What size carving blanks would you get for making little farm animals?
- Where would you order supplies? Is woodcraft.com any good?
- What kind of paint can I use for these? Somewhat muted/transparent would be nice, and obviously, babysafe!
Constraints:
- Leaving the house is a major PITA right now because of the baby, so please don't suggest I take classes or go to a store - I'd prefer to order supplies online. Suggestions for books or online tutorials are very welcome
- We live in a 1 bedroom without room for setting up a workbench or power tools. Is this a problem? Do I need big, electrical, plug-in tools? Or can I do without them?
- This FAQ tells me I just need to get an X-acto knife and some basswood. Is an X-acto really good for woodcarving (I'd imagine it's uncomfortable to hold?) What size carving blanks would you get for making little farm animals?
- Where would you order supplies? Is woodcraft.com any good?
- What kind of paint can I use for these? Somewhat muted/transparent would be nice, and obviously, babysafe!
FWIW, there's little or no carving in the figures you linked to. Those are sawn out of flat stock, the edges smoothed up a bit, maybe a few parts glued together, and painted. A scroll saw would get you most of the way there.
posted by jon1270 at 9:01 AM on October 16, 2011
posted by jon1270 at 9:01 AM on October 16, 2011
This website has a good beginners kit and a basic whittling kit. I've kind of always fancied having a go at carving something but have never actually got around to ordering so I don't know if the kits are any good IRL, but might give you a good place to start.
They also have a list of carving clubs so there might be one in your area, even if you can't go out they might be able to recommend local suppliers etc.
posted by wwax at 9:02 AM on October 16, 2011
They also have a list of carving clubs so there might be one in your area, even if you can't go out they might be able to recommend local suppliers etc.
posted by wwax at 9:02 AM on October 16, 2011
Oh, I see some of the edges are chamfered a bit. That was almost certainly done with abrasives (e.g. Dremel) rather than edge tools.
posted by jon1270 at 9:09 AM on October 16, 2011
posted by jon1270 at 9:09 AM on October 16, 2011
Organic, environmentally friendly, child safe paint that has a muted/old-timey look: Milk Paint
posted by illenion at 9:21 AM on October 16, 2011
posted by illenion at 9:21 AM on October 16, 2011
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posted by amanda at 8:55 AM on October 16, 2011